1029 - Food Business Micro Grant Program (FBMG) - 2026
Funding Opportunity Details

Small Business Support Grant Program

Pre Application Deadline: Aug 3, 2026 4:30 PM

Final Application Deadline:

Description

• PROGRAM SUMMARY   The Food Business Microgrant Program supports the recovery and expansion of shared‑use commercial kitchen capacity in Orleans Parish following the damage caused by Hurricane Ida, including the loss of facilities such as Edible Enterprises. The program provides microgrants for the rehabilitation, reconstruction, expansion, or construction of commissary kitchens to stabilize and increase access for food entrepreneurs. Funding is provided through HUD CDBG‑Disaster Recovery (DR) funds awarded to the City of New Orleans through the State’s Resilient Communities Infrastructure Program (RCIP). NORA serves as the Subrecipient and administers the Microgrant Program on the City’s behalf.   ELIGIBLE CORRIDORS   Projects must be located within Orleans Parish and serve food entrepreneurs operating in New Orleans.   ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS MUST:   Be a nonprofit or for‑profit entity that: Currently operates a commissary kitchen in Orleans Parish, or Has a well‑developed, actionable plan to establish one. Be in good standing with the City of New Orleans (no outstanding debts). Hold an Occupational License, if applicable. Be authorized to do business in Louisiana and in good standing with the Secretary of State. Be authorized to do business with the Federal Government.   ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:   Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical system upgrades Ventilation and fire safety improvements (hoods, suppression systems, ductwork, etc.) Sanitation upgrades, including sinks, dishwashing equipment, washable surfaces, and non-slip flooring Fixed commercial kitchen equipment, such as ovens, fryers, walk-in coolers, and freezers ADA accessibility improvements, including ramps, widened doorways, and accessible workspaces Shared-use infrastructure and equipment that support multiple kitchen users   FUNDING AMOUNTS & STRUCTURE   Maximum Grant Amount Up to $400,000 per total project cost and is contingent upon project competitiveness, scope, location and overall program budget. Program funds may cover up to 100% of eligible costs not to exceed the possible maximum grant amount of $400,000.   APPLICATION PROCESS: EXPECTATIONS & REQUIREMENTS   Part 1: Pre‑Application Required submissions: Applicant & business information Proof of kitchen operations or kitchen plan Photos of existing space Owner consent or proof of ownership High‑level project description, cost estimate, request amount Financial documents Disaster recovery/resilience background (if applicable) Certification of accuracy and non‑duplication of benefits   Part 2: Technical Assistance Phase Applicants who pass the pre-application phase will be required to work with Technical Assistance (TA) providers to: Refine project scope Prepare the full application Strengthen business and operational plans   Part 3: Full Application submission Full applications must include: Business & Operations Comprehensive Business Plan Comprehensive Operations Plan Financial Statements Operating Budget (Post-Renovations) Proof of financing for any non‑grant costs Project Scope & Feasibility Detailed scope of work Design/layout documents Code/Safety Compliance Identification Two contractor estimates (10% contingency recommended) Project timeline & permitting plan Financial need justification Community Impact Current & projected number of kitchen users Access for underserved food entrepreneurs Community benefit documentation Disaster Recovery Alignment Resilience measures (flood mitigation, drainage, etc.)

   

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